The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has instructed companies under its purview to appoint Information Officers who are familiar with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and compliance with information-disclosure requirements.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, PCB Chairman Mohamed Anas said companies are required to designate an Information Officer responsible for providing information to the public and the media on behalf of the company, including its subsidiaries.

The PCB emphasised the importance of ensuring that both existing and newly appointed Information Officers possess legal experience or are well-versed in the RTI Act and its related provisions. The Board also requested that Information Officers use a single, common email address rather than individual staff email accounts.

PCB stated that the use of a common email address will ensure continuity and visibility of RTI requests, including in situations where Information Officers are transferred or replaced.

The circular further instructed companies to publish the details of the appointed Information Officer on their official websites. This includes the officer’s name, contact number and the designated email address for submitting RTI requests, to allow easy public access.

The PCB clarified that companies are not required to amend their administrative structures to appoint an Information Officer, as the role may be assigned to an existing employee. The appointment of the Information Officer will be determined by the company’s Board of Directors.

The PCB said the move is intended to improve information dissemination practices across companies while ensuring full compliance with the Right to Information Act.